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Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Aircraft Destroyed in Terrain During Initial Climb (N6623Q)

Kenmare, ND, US

On July 11, 1995, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N6623Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenmare, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during initial climb, which resulted in a collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft engaged in aerial application work descended into terrain during initial climb, resulting in a post-accident fire that destroyed the plane and killed the pilot.

What happened

The pilot was operating an aircraft for an aerial application mission, carrying a hopper full of herbicide. During the initial phase of flight after departure, the airplane began to descend unexpectedly into the surrounding terrain. The impact with the ground resulted in a post-accident fire that completely destroyed the aircraft.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the condition of the airframe and systems prior to the collision. This inspection failed to reveal any preexisting mechanical anomalies or defects that could have contributed to the accident.

Findings

The pilot did not recall the events that occurred after the airplane started settling toward the ground. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident sequence, leaving the specific cause of the descent unobserved by others on the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during initial climb, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 1995 Schweizer G-164B accident near Kenmare, ND?

An aircraft engaged in aerial application work descended into terrain during initial climb, resulting in a post-accident fire that destroyed the plane and killed the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 1995 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N6623Q, at Kenmare, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during initial climb, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03892. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.